Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 10, 2006

From: Clearwater, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: Cultural requirements for Heliotropium angiospermum in Florida
Answered by: Dean Garrett

QUESTION:

What are the cultural requirements for Heliotropium angiospermum?

ANSWER:

Heliotropium angiospermum, often called Scorpion's' Tail, is a plant that likes disturbed soil and, within its range, is often seen in rocky or sandy areas. Some researchers have found that potted Heliotropium angiospermum does well in compost-rich soil.

It is usually said to prefer sun to part shade and is considered a good native shade plant for Florida. Though it is somewhat drought-tolerant, it may need supplemental water during dry spells.

Its native range reveals that it is not very tolerant of cold. It ranges from northern South America north through the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico to Florida and the southern tip of Texas.

It blooms and produces seeds throughout the year and can expand rapidly under favorable conditions, so much that some gardeners deadhead it to keep it within bounds. Tall grasses, however, may limit its spread. Scorpion's Tails in South Texas have been observed to increase when taller grasses are cleared away.

A South Texas friend of mine found that it transplants easily. He moved one that had come up in a neighbor's rock garden into his prepared garden soil. It adjusted quickly and is now spreading seed and attracting hordes of butterflies. One of its other common names is Butterfly Heliotrope.

Native plant nurseries and native plant societies in your region may be able to give you more information. In addition to checking our National Suppliers Directory, you might also contact the following Florida nursery websites, whose databases indicate that they carry the plant:

www.floridanativeplants.com

www.wilcoxnursery.com
 

More Propagation Questions

Growing Florist Roses
January 23, 2016 - Often I find that florist roses sprout for me, but I fail to get them to grow into a bush. Do you have the answer?
view the full question and answer

Will horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) survive planting in July
July 14, 2008 - I live in Southwest Austin and I am planting horseherb groundcover in my back yard that is part-shade. Can I plant this right now (July) or is it too hot to plant?
view the full question and answer

Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
June 25, 2012 - Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant? Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant? I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant. Tha...
view the full question and answer

Bluebonnets in Hampton VA?
July 12, 2014 - I gave my mom Blue Bonnet seeds for her yard in Hampton VA. She is on a mission to have no lawn and loves flowers. The seeds say to plant in Texas August-November. But, when should she plant them i...
view the full question and answer

Germination period for Snow Mountain beardtongue (Penstemon purpusii)
March 12, 2008 - Why is the germination period for the Snowmountain Beardtongue so long?. I understand it to be approximately 690 days.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.